Christmas Morning Dip

It's a tradition for some Londoner's to take an early morning dip in the Serpentine (the lake in Hyde Park).  This is not just for anyone, they must qualify and spend several months before hand to win a place in this freezing dip. They are led out to the water by a piper playing "Scotland the Brave"

The line up - ready, steady.....

Jump, dive or slide in as your number is called out.

 Then the thaw out.  Every age has taken part of this crazy event.

Skywatch Friday - Sun over Serpentine

Sunset over the Serpentine in Hyde Park

See other skies around the world today.

Taking it Easy

You're probably a little tired of park pictures by now, but I'm laid low with a cold. I'll be back out with my fresh eyes in a couple more days.

Good-bye 2010

Have fun as you welcome in 2011.

Frozen Serpentine

The seagulls have their own ice skating rink at present. The serpentine in Hyde Park is frozen. Hundreds of crabby looking geese have left the lake and are sitting in small bad tempered gangs on the fields. I suspect that part of their disposition has to do with the seagulls failing about with laughter at their now exceptionally ungainly attempts at landing on the slippery surface.

Just hold it there

The Serpentine in Hyde Park without too many tourists. Is she really taking a cell phone picture of the runner?

Feeding the Swans

Watch out some of them bite.

January Themes Day - Changes

Oops got caught out for theme day today. Last time I checked it was 'best of 2009'. Seems it changed to changes.
So I had to change my mind about what to post.
On Xmas day I posted the mid-winter dip. It was early in the morning freezing cold. They all needed to change into something warm fast!

Check out what else is changing around the world:
click here to view thumbnails for all participants

Mid-Winter Dip

An alternative to slaving over a hot stove basting the turkey. This hardy bunch elected to go for an early morning swim in the Serpentine (a lake in Hyde Park).
What quirky activities happen in your region on Xmas Day?

More Romance

I thought I'd bring you more of romantic London today. With all the hectic running around at Xmas time it is easy to be too stressed and forget to take time out for important things

Skywatch Friday - Rowing on the Serpentine

Practice makes perfect. A few more hours and the oars might go in the same direction.

As always on Friday take a visit to skywatchers around the world

Watch Out

Here comes trouble girls. Quick into the water.
This lake built by Queen Caroline (wife of King George II) in 1730 divides Hyde Park and Kensington Park. The Serpentine bridge that you can see in the distance is the division between the Serpentine in Hyde Park and the Long Water in Kensington Park.

Great comments on my Tiger Post yesterday, if you missed them take a look. Here's a couple:

Marley - On his way to the auditions for the next Tony the Tiger, Barry realised he'd forgotten his costume!
amisare waswerebeen - Finally, Anthony found a place where he could be himself and go on the prowl.